The Ref - The Movie

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 5 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #2,829 in Movies & TV, #78,926 overall

The Ref: He's Taken Them Hostage. They're Driving Him Nuts.

It's true. The Ref is my favorite Christmas movie. Now, be warned, you have to be a fan of smart, talky movies (think of comedies from the thirties and forties). The uniting of Judy Davis, Denis Leary, and Kevin Spacey was inspired, and Christine Baranski and Glynis Johns provide extra pith to an already pith-laden production.

Now you know, of course, that whenever you get Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary in one film there's going to a lot of talking and a lot of ranting, and the rants are truly delicious, topped off with Spacey's line: "The corpse has the floor!"

Judy Davis more than holds her own with Spacey and Leary, and B. D. Wong is delightful as the overwhelmed psychotherapist. As everyone gets a number in a musical, everyone gets a rant in "The Ref", reminding us again of why two people argue: because they're both right.

Give yourself a treat and don't wait for Christmas to watch this one. However, if the "eff" word offends you, don't watch this movie.

Note: The videos used to illustrate this movie contain bad language. Please do not play them if this offends you.

The Ref: The DVD Review 


The Ref

Caustic wit gets a full-body workout in this 1994 comedy, in which a cat burglar (Denis Leary) gets trapped in an affluent Connecticut neighborhood and is forced to hold a bickering couple hostage on Christmas Eve, only to discover that their Yuletide spirit is anything but cheerful.

Caroline (Judy Davis) and her husband, Lloyd (Kevin Spacey), have been at each other's throats for so long that they've developed domestic arguments into an art form, and the would-be kidnapper turns into a reluctant mediator, even after he's got the battling couple wound up in bungee cords. The situation grows even more complicated when the couple's smart-aleck son comes home from military school, but it's not the plot here that's a top priority. Instead it's the sheer pleasure of witnessing a three-way verbal jousting match, written with razor-sharp skill and delivered by actors who are perfect for their roles.

The movie's got a dark edge, but it never gets too dark--you know that it's not going to slide into more seriously damaging territory, so you can sit back and enjoy the volleys of scathing insults and sarcasm the way you would a Don Rickles performance. If that sounds like your idea of entertainment, The Ref will serve it up with style.

The Ref: The First Ten Minutes 

Care! Bad language alert!
powered by Youtube

Denis Leary: His Story 

Denis Leary Biography

Denis Colin Leary (born August 18, 1957) is a Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-nominated American actor, comedian, writer and director. He is known for his often angry comedic style, and his chain smoking. As of 2009, Leary is the star and co-creator of the television show Rescue Me now in its 5th season.

Quote From "The Ref"

I have a gun, it's loaded, shut up.

Scene Two From The Ref 

More From The Ref With Denis Leary

Care! Bad language alert!
powered by Youtube

Vote the Quote 

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Kevin Spacey: His Story 

Kevin Spacey Biography

Kevin Spacey (born Kevin Spacey Fowler, July 26, 1959) is an American actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and crooner. He grew up in California, and began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, before being cast in supporting roles in film and television. He gained critical acclaim in the early 1990s, culminating in his first Academy Award for The Usual Suspects (Best Supporting Actor), followed by a Best Actor Academy Award win for American Beauty (1999). His other starring roles in Hollywood include Seven, L.A. Confidential, Pay It Forward, and Superman Returns in a career which has eventually earned him both Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominations. Since 2003, he has been artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.

Great Deals on The Ref DVD 

Find The Ref Bargains

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Quote From "The Ref"

You know what I'm going to get you next Christmas, Mom?
A big wooden cross, so that every time you feel unappreciated for your sacrifices, you can climb on up and nail yourself to it.

Scene Three From The Ref 

The Ref With Kevin Spacey

Care! Bad language alert!
powered by Youtube

Judy Davis: Her Story 

Judy Davis Biography


Judy Davis (born 23 April 1955) is an Australian actress.

Have You Seen "The Ref"? 

What Do You Think of The Ref?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

I Love It!

Lisa says:

Best Christmas Ever! Not Christmas without seeing The Ref!

Diane says:

I watch it EVERY year at Christmas time.

norm says:

Great holiday movies; Miracle on 34th St., A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Ref. Watch them all every year.

Ugh! I Hate It!

 
 
1 of 1 page
 

Love This Lens? 

If you would like to rate this lens, then you can do so here (Squidoo members only)

Add this to your lens »

What Do You Think of This Page About "The Ref"? 

What Are Your Thoughts About the movie The Ref?

MindGuru wrote...

Looks like a fun dark comedy. I especially like Spacey, ever since American Beauty--what a sick movie, but great.

ReplyPosted December 28, 2008

WendyKrick wrote...

I've never seen this movie. I'll have to check it out. Nice Christmas idea.

ReplyPosted November 09, 2008

RichLeigh wrote...

I'm not too sure this would be one for me but I definitely enjoyed the lens anyway!

ReplyPosted August 17, 2008